The defense team of Vice President Sara Duterte said Monday that the withdrawal of Dean Ralph Sarmiento as a defense witness would not affect its case in the ongoing impeachment trial, although it admitted disappointment over his decision.
Defense spokesperson Atty. Michael Poa said Sarmiento initially expressed willingness to testify, provided he would be treated as an independent witness.
“When we reached out to him, initially he expressed his willingness ... for as long as he’s considered as an independent witness,” Poa said during a press conference after the 40th day of the impeachment trial.
Poa said the defense also wanted Sarmiento to remain independent, which prompted the team to ask the impeachment court to issue a subpoena for him.
He explained that the subpoena request was also intended to preserve Sarmiento’s independence as a legal expert who was expected to discuss the legal framework surrounding the case.
However, Sarmiento later informed him personally that he no longer wished to testify for personal reasons.
Poa said the defense respected his decision and immediately filed a manifestation withdrawing its request for a subpoena and informing the court that it would no longer present Sarmiento as a witness.
“Wala namang bad blood or anything. Kung ‘yon ang nararamdaman niya ayoko rin naman siyang pilitin,” Poa said.
Asked whether the defense would present a replacement witness, Poa declined to disclose its next moves, saying Sarmiento’s testimony was mainly intended to provide the legal framework at the start of its presentation.
He maintained that Sarmiento’s withdrawal would not significantly affect the defense's case, although he personally regretted that the team would no longer be able to present him.
“Abangan lang natin, handa naman kami sa mga ganyan,” Poa said.
